The proposal has come as a surprise to native title holders along the river who have been negotiating with the WA Government and major players in the cattle industry over a promised national park for the area.
Chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, Anne Poelina, said from the traditional owners’ point of view the water from the Fitzroy was not being wasted.
“When we move through the landscape, what we see is that the water is already being used,” Dr Poelina said.
“One of the things we are concerned about is the cumulative impacts of development.
This thought of taking water out of the Fitzroy River system is interesting read alongside the recent feature on Lake Eyre. It makes me wonder if we miss the point in stopping these flooding rains? Although the water may flow out to the ocean, doesn’t it still serve a purpose?